Series of concepts for an all-seasons community pavilion located on a former brownfield site in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Our design leverages the idea of the four essential elements as the genesis of the pavilion: Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. Each is tied to a specific aspect of the project, while also referencing its broader cultural importance.
We would seek to create a carbon-neutral pavilion by combining low-impact materials and onsite generation. Small structures are excellent opportunities to demonstrate opportunities for responsible building and the beauty that can be achieved through those practices. Solar canopies combined with reclaimed or renewable material selection can create an easy to follow template for visitors and other local businesses to follow.
Materials connect us to our sense of place and our history. The materials for the pavilion will reference the traditional building stock of the Jewelry District, the industry and people who created it, as well as the pre-western civilizations that occupied the land. Our research into the site will give us clues about which materials to select and how to assemble them in a way that is clearly contemporary and of this time, while also references and respects the history that brought us to this moment.
Heat has long been at the center of community, whether the warmth of a fire, or the food from a hearth, fire and the food that comes from it are at the centerpiece of many cultures from all corners of the world. The food provided at the pavilion will be the primary draw for visitors, and will serve as the access point for the pavilion as well as a springboard for the surrounding area.
Resilient design is critical for coastal cities and regions like providence. While this site has strong protection from the existing hurricane barrier, resilient design of the pavilion will provide additional longevity. Additionally, creating a pathway to manage stormwater on site is another key component of resilient design that can be showcased and demonstrated as part of the design of the pavilion.
